Views: 2<\/p>
[Note: \u00a0<\/strong>This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles\u20131<\/strong> \u00a0page.]<\/span><\/p>\n Denominationalism <\/em>refers to a \u201cdenominational or sectarian spirit or policy; the tendency to divide into denominations or sects\u201d (Random House College Dictionary<\/em>). In religion, the term refers to the multitude (some count thousands) of religious bodies professing belief in Jesus the Christ as the only begotten Son of God, yet differing <\/strong>in name, belief, and practice from each other.<\/span><\/p>\n One does not have to be a Bible scholar to realize that Jesus did not intend for His professed disciples to be thus divided. His prayer concerning those who would believe on Him was \u201cthat they may all be one\u201d (John 17:21a). He expressed the pattern for that unity in his next breath: \u201cEven as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee\u201d (v. 21b).<\/span><\/p>\n Denominationalism <\/em>is a synonym for religious division. It is a direct <\/strong>contradiction of Jesus\u2019 prayer. Some laud such division for its variety of names, doctrines, and practices, offering so many choices. Its apologists count the distinctions between churches as inconsequential \u201cbecause we are united in our belief in Christ\u201d (which, incidentally, may or may not be true by New Testament definition). All who praise denominationalism, however, ignore the perfect unity between the Father and the Son\u2014the sort of unity for which Jesus prayed. Did the Divine Son and His Father differ in their doctrine and behavior? No, Jesus and the Father were\/are one. \u00a0In Jesus\u2019 own words\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If ye had known me, ye would have known my Father also: from henceforth ye know him and have seen him. (John 14:7).<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The New Testament\u2019s depiction of the church\u2014as Jesus ordained it and as the apostles established it\u2014was not only non<\/strong>-denominational; it was anti<\/strong>-denominational, as seen in the following facts, among many others:<\/span><\/p>\n [Note: <\/strong>This article was written for and published in the Denton Record-Chronicle, <\/em>Denton, TX, February 27, 2015.]<\/span><\/p>\n Attribution<\/strong>: From thescripturecache.com<\/em>; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Views: 2[Note: \u00a0This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles\u20131 \u00a0page.] Denominationalism refers to a \u201cdenominational or sectarian spirit or policy; the tendency to divide into denominations or sects\u201d (Random House College Dictionary). In religion, the term refers to the multitude (some…<\/p>\n\n